DHS to require green card applicants to return to home countries to apply
The Trump administration is making a major change to the green card application process that could affect hundreds of thousands of immigrants legally living in the United States.
In a policy announcement Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said immigrants seeking permanent residency through adjustment of status will generally have to leave the United States and apply from their home countries unless they can prove “extraordinary circumstances.”
For decades, many immigrants who entered legally on student, work, tourist or other temporary visas could apply for a green card while staying in the United States through adjustment of status.
USCIS said the move restores the “original intent” of immigration law, reduces visa overstays and frees up agency resources. The agency said applicants should generally pursue consular processing abroad instead of applying for permanent residency from within the United States.
The policy could affect immigrants married to U.S. citizens, international students, temporary workers and others who previously could adjust status without leaving the country.
USCIS has not released detailed guidance on how the policy will affect applications already pending with the agency.
